I must admit, this is my favorite time of year. I love
the festivities, the hustle and bustle of people shopping for their loved ones,
and celebrating the greatest gift the world has ever known — Jesus. I love
Christmas!
One of the ways to celebrate the birth of our Lord is to
keep the right perspective. Things don’t always have to be perfect in order to
enjoy life. The quality of our life depends on how grateful we are for the
things we already have. If we’re only happy and content with stuff we want and
having it our way all the time, then we’ll spend most of our lives
disappointed.
Recently, I saw an advertisement where the man asked the genie for a million bucks. As he wished, boom it happened! The man expected cash but he was surrounded with male deer in and around his house. He was disappointed. This is comical but many of us respond to life in similar fashion. We don’t seem to enjoy the 99 things God has blessed us with but instead, mourn the one thing we don’t have. Don’t let that be you!
I’ve found that one of the best ways to draw God’s
blessings into our lives is to be thankful for what we have. When we’re
bragging, we won’t be nagging.
While most of us are celebrating the joyous season of
Christmas, many are genuinely hurting. Some are disappointed about the way this
year didn’t pan out for them. Others made deliberate mistakes and now they’re
licking their wounds, feeling sorry for themselves. Yet there are some who
experienced a tragedy of losing a loved one or they’re going through a
physical, mental, or financial challenge. No matter what opposition you’re
facing today, I’ve got good news for you. God is about to turn your mourning
into dancing. He will take your mistakes and
turn them into miracles. This is the crux of the message of Christmas. No
matter how impossible your situation looks, it’s about to change! Luke 4:19 in
the Amplified version says that Jesus came “To proclaim the
acceptable year of the Lord” [the day when salvation and the free favors of God
profusely abound].”
This is why I love Christmas! I’m reminded of God’s free flowing favors abounding over me, my family, and friends like you. Religion is binding and it teaches us that we have to be good in order to receive God’s blessings. While I’m not trying to promote sloppy Christianity, we would be wise to understand that our best efforts to please God are like filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6). We cannot earn God’s favor with our good works but we can accept His free gift of Salvation and favor upon our lives. And for a sinner like me, that’s music to my ears! I accept everything God has for me with deepest gratitude in my heart. I recommend you do the same.
I love to watch parents
shopping for Christmas for their children. One thing that always impresses me
is the list. It has names and gifts matching to the names. This list is the
most divine list in the world. Naughty or nice; no matter what the child has
done through the year — his grades, her attitude, or even their history of disobedience
—the list only contains blessings for their children. The Bible says, “If you then, though you are evil, know how
to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven
give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him" (Luke 11:13). God has a
list of blessings beside your name.
Friend, today let’s remember
that we’re in a season of miracles. God is not keeping track of your wrongs but
your faith in Him. He is not mad at you; He is madly in love with you. You
don’t have to play an outsider anymore because God has circled you in. You’re
not an outcast, you’re outstanding! If you come to Jesus just as you are, He
will accept you and turn your sorrow into joy. You want to honor God with your
life but you don’t have to impress Him anymore. Jesus has done that for you.
Just embrace and accept the free favor of God’s love, forgiveness, and
restoration over your life. Christmas is not just history it’s about God’s
richest blessing coming over your life to meet you at the point of your need
today. This is your season of miracles. What do you need? Ask boldly! God is in
good mood to give you the miracle you need.
“He
who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all--how will he not
also, along with him, graciously give us all things” (Romans 8:32 NIV).
Invite Sandy Anderson to Speak: Email: buildinternational@sbcglobal.net
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